Why Is Everyone Larping?

0:00 Traditionally, LARPing refers to live-action role play. You usually hear about it in regards to people who take part in mock battles, constructing a fictional world with rules about weapons classes skills and fantastical races. However, now we're seeing the term LARP be used to describe a person pretending to be something they're not. Perhaps someone will say they read manga or watch anime to fit in with the subculture, despite not ever actually having done so. Or they'll be an influencer who will rent out a private jet that will never take off just to take pictures of themselves in order to appear rich. The point is that instead of referring to a niche hobby, LARPing has evolved into another word for poser, demonstrating how language can have its meaning mutated by online use. The academic article "Meme Language, Its Impact on Digital Culture

0:46 and Collective Thinking" explores this concept, with the author finding that language is a meme, not only showing how digital communities are changing the traditional structures of united people in a single space, but the way it indirectly adds people to the production itself, showing them as social beings, their thinking, and culture. In this instance, LARPing is an example of a meme within language that ultimately exposes the social aspects of humans in regards to their ability to label those who pretend to be something they are not. Through the act of identifying a person as a LARPer who is attempting to join a certain subculture, one can attempt to solidify their own position within a group by claiming they are in whilst the LARPer is out. As a result, the label of LARPer is running rife through certain fandoms, too. If a

1:31 person does not know enough facts and trivia about the very specific interest they share with a group, then they are considered not a real fan. Meanwhile, it's a bit of a shame that the label has become a derogatory term. Actual live-action role playing is one of those hobbies that seems to be incredibly inclusive and healthy for those who otherwise find it difficult to discover community or get into sports. The word has changed so much over the years that it seems mainstream adoption has evolved it into something entirely different from its original meaning, and the definition of LARP is far more flexible than it ever has been. In short, LARPing has transformed into the latest word for [music] poser, demonstrating how language can become a meme that mutates, as the label of live-action role play is no longer solely owned by people dressing up in costume and fighting for

2:16 a hobby. What meme would you guys like me to give a lesson in next? Let me know in the comments below. And remember, like and subscribe. >> [laughter] >> Or else. >> [snorts]